The expected launch of the COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 and older in Los Angeles County was met with chaos and confusion on Thursday, with the county saying it could take weeks before this group could be vaccinated.
It was a day of frustration for the elderly who tried to make appointments. Some have managed to program them at retailers, but it is not clear whether they will be fulfilled. Calls and e-mails flooded doctors’ offices and pharmacies, and scheduling sites run by retail pharmacies reportedly stalled with the flood of requests.
Now, LA county residents over 65 who are looking for a COVID-19 vaccine – and for clarity – will have to get in line.
Vaccine distribution varies by county, and LA is saying that healthcare professionals and first responders need their vaccines before the elderly are vaccinated.
Who is eligible in LA today?
According to the LA County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles is still in Phase 1A of the vaccine launch, meaning that only qualified health professionals and nursing residents and long-term care facilities are eligible to receive vaccine.
The department said the county is working to deliver doses to another 500,000 of those workers by the end of the month, and expects to move beyond phase 1A in early February.
Neighboring counties are in various stages of deployment. Orange and Riverside counties have opened vaccines for residents 65 and older, according to their public health departments.
San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties are still prioritizing Phase 1A health professionals.
When will it be my turn?
Phase 1A will be provisionally closed in early February, at which time the county may shift its focus to Angelenos in Phase 1B – which includes people aged 65 and over, along with selected essential workers in education, day care, emergency services, food and agriculture. The county estimates that everyone in Phase 1B will receive at least one dose of the vaccine by the end of March.
Phase 1C, which includes people aged 50 to 64 and people aged 16 to 49 with basic health problems or working in certain essential jobs, is expected to start in March. Everyone in this phase should receive at least one dose by the beginning of May.
Phase 2, which includes all people aged 16 to 49, is expected to start in mid-May or early June.
The vaccine will not be offered to children in the near future, the county health department said. The Pfizer vaccine has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for people over the age of 16, and the Modern vaccine has been authorized for people 18 and over.
The times for each phase are estimates and may change according to supply levels and state prioritization requirements. The phases will overlap.
Los Angeles County created an email system for people Sign up to receive updates in the distribution of vaccines.
Where will I get my vaccine?
Nearly 100 distribution locations are already listed on the county’s nomination portal and include a combination of clinics, health centers and retail pharmacies operated by chains like Albertsons and Ralphs. When signing up for an interview, you will be asked to verify your eligibility for the current stage.
Albertsons pharmacy manager Willem Henning said on Wednesday that stores are training more than 500 pharmacy technicians in Southern California to assist with vaccine administration, and that vaccines are already “coming out the door” as soon as arrive. Ralphs spokesman John Votava said the vaccine will be distributed at all 77 Ralphs Pharmacy locations throughout southern California and on the central coast.
Several city-run COVID-19 test sites, such as the Hansen Dam Recreational Center and Dodger Stadium, are being converted into vaccination sites. Disneyland is also being transformed into Orange County’s first “super” vaccination site.
Hospital systems, including Kaiser Permanente, together with private medical practices, will assist in the implementation of vaccination for your clients and members.
“We are preparing for the expansion of eligibility under state guidelines and we are working with counties and state leaders to expand vaccination sites,” said Kaiser in a statement on Thursday. “Successful delivery of the vaccine to people aged 65 and over depends on getting access to adequate vaccine supplies, which we understand is coming.”
Again, only healthcare professionals in LA are currently eligible to register for an appointment. New locations and appointment times will be added as vaccination capacity increases.
Will I have to pay?
No. According to the LA County Department of Public Health, the vaccine will be covered by public and private insurers. People without health insurance can get the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge. There are no direct payments.
What should I do while I wait?
Continue to follow public health guidelines: use face coverings, practice social detachment and avoid large crowds. New estimates show that 1 in 3 Los Angeles County residents has been infected with COVID-19.
The authorities say you should continue to follow these steps even after receiving both doses of the vaccine.
The city’s news service contributed to this report.